B.A. in Economics, Mathematics

The B.A. in Economics/Mathematics degree provides students with a wide variety of career options. Students find a strong demand for their services in such diverse areas as finance, business research, education, management, and public policy analysis. It is an excellent degree for students who wish to pursue a career as an actuary. Many pursue graduate degrees in fields such as economics, operations research, public policy, law and business.

Do you need more convincing?

The Questions....

I love the challenge of math, but I care deeply about social issues as well. Is there a field that combines both?

Math excites me, but I want to apply it to “real” problems. What should I choose as a college major?

The Answer....

An Economics/Mathematics major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania!

Why Mathematics/Economics?

If Congress chops $150 billion of government spending to balance the budget, will the economy boom? Or, will the spending cuts force firms to lay off workers and send us into a recession?

If Nike boosts shoe prices by 5 percent, will consumers run to Reebok? How many? Will Nike profits rise or fall?

What is the most cost-effective way of cleaning the environment? Must a guarantee of basic medical care for all citizens break the bank? Do harsher prison sentences deter criminal activity?

If Pizza Hut wants to grab more business, should it open new restaurants? Expand its menu? Lower prices?

Answers to such questions require solid grounding in both economics and mathematics. Economists model the way people behave: the way we respond to financial and non-financial incentives. Economic theories frame the issues, but mathematics provides the tools. Which economic theories work? We need data and statistical tools to tell us. Which policy options are the best? We need mathematical tools to measure costs and benefits.

Career Opportunities

Students with a joint background in mathematics and economics face a wide variety of career options. Many pursue graduate degrees in fields such as economics, operations research, public policy, law, and business. They find a strong demand for their services in such diverse areas as finance, business research, education, management, and public policy analysis.